Rafael Mata is a strategic architect of economic growth, currently serving as the President of Gambit Services and Chair of The National Center for Local Business and Workforce Development.
At Gambit Services, Rafael acts as a high-level advisor to government, corporate, and non-profit sectors, specializing in operational integrity and revenue expansion. Under his leadership, Gambit empowers underrepresented populations by navigating complex compliance landscapes, mitigating organizational risk, and preparing businesses for the rigors of government procurement.
Complementing his private-sector leadership, Rafael chairs The National Center for Local Business & Workforce Development. In this role, he steers the non-profit’s mission to fortify local economies through essential small business services and specialized workforce training.
His career is anchored by decades of high-level government service, including influential roles at the New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) and various state and county offices. Rafael is widely recognized for pioneering New Jersey’s first local Set-Aside program—a landmark initiative that expanded contract access for underrepresented businesses. As a City University of New York (CUNY) graduate and certified Grant Manager and Writer, Rafael is a premier subject matter expert in bridging the gap between the private sector and government for inclusive economic development.
